Every day, millions of individuals rely on public and private mass transportation to travel or commute to work and school. Buses are by far one of the most common forms of mass transportation in the United States. Unfortunately, the prevalence of buses on Indianapolis roads and highways also means that there is a certain risk of being involved in a bus collision. Due to the sheer size and weight of these massive vehicles, buses often cause extensive damage, catastrophic injury, and even fatalities when they collide with other vehicles or stationary objects along the road.
If you or your loved one was involved in a bus collision, it is important that you seek legal assistance from a qualified and experienced vehicle accident attorney. These types of claims can be very complex and, depending on the type of bus involved, as well as the various circumstances surrounding the crash, anyone from the bus driver to the bus company to another motorist may be liable. At Wagner Reese, we have been serving injured clients throughout Indianapolis since 1997. Our Indianapolis bus accident attorneys have more than 150+ years of combined experience, and we are prepared to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
Call our office at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online today to request your free, confidential case evaluation.
How Do Bus Accidents Occur?
Most bus drivers are highly trained professionals with outstanding driving records and extensive experience handling larger vehicles. However, this does not mean they are immune to human error. Often, mistakes and misjudgments lead to serious bus accidents. In other cases, outright negligence can cause a devastating crash. In yet other instances, a negligent third party or even the company that owns or maintains the bus can be liable for a collision.
Some examples of how bus accidents occur include:
- Speeding/operating a bus at unsafe speeds
- Driving while distracted, including while using a cellphone
- A bus driver operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI)
- Unsafe, reckless, careless, or illegal driving behaviors
- Failure of the bus company to conduct driver background checks
- Lack of proper bus maintenance
- Defective bus design and/or faulty bus parts (such as tires)
- Dangerous road conditions, including unmarked bridges or unsafe turns
- Inclement weather, including rain or ice on the road
- A third-party motorist who acts negligently
Any of these and myriad other factors can lead to a devastating accident. Because bus passengers seldom wear seatbelts and are not protected by airbags, they often suffer severe injuries or are killed when an accident occurs. At Wagner Reese, we work to hold negligent parties accountable for your losses, including the cost of medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and/or the loss of your loved one.
Types of Bus Accidents in Indianapolis
Not all bus collisions are alike, and the type of vehicle involved has a direct impact on who may be held liable for your injuries. Indianapolis roadways see several distinct categories of bus incidents, each carrying its own set of legal considerations.
Public transit buses operated by IndyGo are owned and managed by a government entity, which means claims against them must follow specific procedural rules, including shorter notice deadlines than standard personal injury cases. School buses fall under a similar framework when they are publicly operated, while privately contracted school bus companies may be pursued through traditional civil litigation. Charter and intercity buses operated by private companies are generally subject to federal regulations and may involve corporate defendants with significant resources. Understanding which type of vehicle was involved is one of the first steps in determining where liability lies and how to pursue compensation.
Injuries Commonly Suffered in Bus Collisions
The injuries sustained in bus crashes tend to be far more serious than those in typical passenger vehicle accidents. Because buses are large, heavy vehicles with limited crumple zones and little interior protection for passengers, the forces transmitted during a collision can be devastating.
Passengers may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ injuries, and severe lacerations. Pedestrians and cyclists struck by a bus face an even greater risk of fatal injuries, given the vehicle’s mass and ground clearance. Survivors of serious bus crashes often face months or years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term physical limitations that affect their ability to work and maintain their quality of life.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Bus Accident?
Determining fault in a bus collision frequently involves multiple parties, and the investigation that follows can be far more complex than in a standard car accident claim. Identifying every responsible party is critical to recovering the full value of your losses.
According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, school-transportation-related crashes resulted in an average of 108 fatalities per year from 2013 to 2022, with the majority of those killed being occupants of other vehicles. Liability in bus cases may extend to the bus driver personally, the company or government agency that owns and operates the bus, a third-party driver whose negligence triggered the crash, a vehicle or parts manufacturer if a defect contributed to the collision, or a municipality responsible for maintaining a hazardous road condition. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify each liable party and build a case that reflects the full scope of your damages.
Indiana Laws Governing Bus Accident Claims
Indiana law imposes important deadlines and requirements that can significantly affect your ability to pursue a claim following a bus accident in Indiana. Missing a filing deadline can permanently bar recovery, regardless of how strong the underlying case may be.
For most personal injury claims in Indiana, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. However, when the at-fault party is a government entity, such as a public transit authority or school district, claims may be subject to a tort claim notice requirement that must be satisfied within 270 days of the incident. Failing to provide that notice on time can eliminate the right to sue altogether. An attorney familiar with Indiana’s procedural rules can ensure all required steps are completed correctly and on time.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
The actions taken in the hours and days following a bus collision can make a meaningful difference in the strength of a legal claim. Preserving evidence and protecting your rights from the start puts you in the best position to seek fair compensation.
If physically able, document the scene by photographing the vehicles, road conditions, signage, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information for witnesses, and request a copy of the official police report as soon as it is available. Seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor initially, as some serious conditions are not immediately apparent. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel, since these statements can be used to limit or deny your claim. The attorneys at Wagner Reese have the resources and experience to preserve critical evidence, including bus surveillance footage and driver logs, that can disappear quickly after an accident.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident involving a public city bus, school bus, or private charter bus, or were harmed as a third-party bystander in a bus-related incident, contact our Indianapolis bus accident lawyers for a free consultation. Our firm offers contingent fees, meaning there is no upfront cost for you, and you only pay us if we win your case. We offer Spanish-speaking services and can travel to meet you at home or in the hospital if you are unable to come to our office.
Call Wagner Reese at (888) 204-8440 to learn more about how our attorneys can help you with your serious bus accident claim.
